A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics

Transcription

1 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics For Information on Requirements for the Major or Minor, Courses Offered, the Politics Society, the Politics Honors Program, Pi Sigma Alpha, Internships, Readings & Research, and Much More! January 2016 Department of Politics New York University

2 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 2 Table of Contents Contacting the Politics Undergraduate Office... 3 Requirements for the Politics Major... 3 Requirements for the Politics Minor... 4 What Counts as a Politics Course?... 4 Transfer Credit for Students from GSP... 4 Other Transfer Credit... 4 AP Credit in Politics... 4 Non Politics Department Courses at NYU... 4 Getting into Closed Politics Classes... 4 Handling Grade Disputes or Problems in a Class... 4 Information for Politics Majors Who Wish to Study Abroad... 5 Field Seminars and Graduate Courses... 5 Independent Study and Internships... 5 American Political Practice and Leadership.7 Student Organizations... 7 The Politics Society... 6 Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Politics Honor Society... 8 The Politics Honors Program... 8 Requirements for the Politics Honors Program... 8 Honors Thesis Guidelines... 8 The International Relations Major... 9 Help for Students in Politics Classes... 9 Tutoring for Politics Classes... 9 Henry & Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities... 9 The Writing Center Application Forms Application for a Major or Minor in Politics Application to the Politics Honors Program Application for Pi Sigma Alpha Application for Readings and Research Application for Internship in Politics... 15

3 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 3 Contacting the Politics Undergraduate Office The undergraduate office is located at 19 West 4 th Street. You can reach the office by entering on West 4th and taking the elevator to the 2 nd Floor. Emily Mitchell-Marell is the academic advisor for all Politics and IR majors. The advisement office is located at room 232 and is open from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:00pm. You can come by, or the advisor at politics.undergrads@nyu.edu. The undergraduate advisor, Emily Mitchell-Marell, can help you with the following: -Declaring a major or minor -Course clearance and registration -Special permission for courses -Transfer credit -Study abroad approval For a complete listing of politics department classes, advisement hours and other information, see Emily Mitchell-Marell Academic Advisor, Department of Politics emm9@nyu.edu West 4 th, Room 232 Requirements for the Politics Major General Requirements The major in politics provides students with the opportunity to explore political science both broadly (across five fields of study: Analytical Politics, Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Politics) and deeply (through concentration in a single field of study). The course requirements for Politics majors are: (1) 10 four-credit Politics courses (with a POL-UA course number) with a grade of C or better. (2) Of these 10 courses at least 2 must be chosen from among the four core courses Political Theory (POL-UA 100), Power and Politics in America (POL-UA 300), Comparative Politics (POL-UA 500), and International Politics (POL-UA 700). Most advanced courses have the associated core course or courses as a prerequisite and thus it is a good idea to take core courses as a freshman or sophomore. (3) At least 1 course must be taken in three of the five fields: Analytical Politics, Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Politics. (4) No more than 5 courses (for a total of 20 credits) taken through transfer credit and/or NYU Study Abroad may count towards the major. AP credits are counted as transfer credits. (5) No more than 3 courses (for a total of 12 credit) taken in NYU Study Abroad programs (courses numbered POL-UA 9xxx) may count towards the major.

4 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 4 Requirements for the Politics Minor The minor requires 5 four-credit courses (20 credits) in the department (courses with a POL-UA number) completed with a grade of C or better. The department requires that half of the minor be completed at CAS. NYU study abroad and/or transfer credits can be applied to the minor, not to exceed half of the required credits. AP credits are counted as transfer credits. A minor program may reflect a special emphasis in one of the department s five fields. What Counts as a Politics Course? Transfer Credit for Students from LSP Students transferring from LSP can get generic politics credit, POL-UA 000, for 4 points towards the major or minor, for completing Social Foundation I and II in LSP. However, you will still need to take at least two core courses (the four core courses are: POL-UA 100, POL-UA 300, POL-UA 500, POL-UA 700). Other Transfer Credit To receive transfer credit from another college or university outside of NYU towards the politics major or minor, students must submit copies of the syllabi for the relevant courses as well as a transcript from the other institution to the undergraduate advisors. Note that all courses must first be approved by the College of Arts and Sciences. AP Credit in Politics Students with AP credit in politics can get generic politics credit, POL-UA 000, towards the major or minor. Only AP credits in government and comparative politics (not history and statistics) can be counted toward the major/minor. However, AP credit cannot be substituted for a core course in Politics. AP credits are counted as transfer credits. Non Politics Department Courses at NYU Only if they have a POL-UA number (are officially cross-listed), and are not counted towards another major or minor, courses offered by other departments can be counted towards the major or minor. NYU courses without a POL-UA number do not count towards the major or minor. Getting Into Closed Classes Generally, when a politics course closes enrollment, students can join wait lists for a place in the class. We do not allow students to be placed into classes ahead of the waitlist. Since most classes are closed due to space constraints and fire codes, it is extremely rare for a student to be added to such a class. Handling Grade Disputes or Problems in a Class If you have a problem in a Politics class (either in grading or otherwise) you should first try to address the problem through discussions with the instructor. If this fails to resolve the issue, you should

5 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 5 submit a formal complaint via to politics.undergrads@nyu.edu. Please note that received at this address is not distributed to the faculty. Information for Politics Majors Who Wish to Study Abroad We encourage all politics majors and minors to consider at least one semester abroad, especially in London, Florence OR Washington, DC where the department offers excellent courses. However, it is important to be careful in choosing which courses to take abroad, and when to schedule a semester abroad. Below are things you should consider: Only POL-UA courses count: If studying abroad at an NYU program, only those courses with a V53 designation count towards the politics major. If a course has a title or a description that sounds like it is about politics but does not have a POL-UA designation, it will not count towards the major or minor. Maximum Number of Courses: Only 3 four-point courses taken in NYU Study Abroad programs (courses designated POL-UA 9xxx) may be counted towards the major. No more than 5 four-point courses taken as transfer credit and/or NYU Study Abroad courses may count towards the major. Non-NYU Program: If studying abroad at a non-nyu program, the courses taken will be treated as transfer credit. Students should get approval for courses before going abroad if they wish for them to count towards the Politics major. Students should get approval from the Dean s office (Silver, 9 th floor) before seeing the advisors in the department (Room 232). Field Seminars and Graduate Courses Field Seminars Undergraduate field seminars are offered in each field each year. They are advanced seminars for juniors and seniors who are politics majors. Students must have completed four courses in politics, one of which must be the core course in the field of the seminar. They must also have a 3.0 cumulative average or the permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited to 20 students each. Honors Seminars These are advanced seminars for juniors and seniors. Non-honors students can take them, but they must have a 3.5 cumulative average. Students must have completed four courses in politics, one of which must be the core course in the field of the seminar. Enrollment is limited to 20 students. Graduate Courses for Undergraduates To register for a graduate class in politics, undergraduate students must request permission from the instructor of the course and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students should see Carlos Rios in the Department of Politics, carlos.rios@nyu.edu.

6 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 6 Internships and Readings and Research Maximum Points Students cannot take more than 8 points of independent study and/or internship in the Department of Politics. Both independent study courses and internships require special permission as specified below. Readings and Research Classes Description of Readings and Research Class, from the CAS Bulletin: POL-UA Readings and Research. 2 or 4 points. Prerequisite: written approval of student's departmental adviser, instructor, and director of undergraduate studies. Students with a 3.0 average in at least three previous politics courses are permitted to carry on supervised individual readings and research. Please note that this course does NOT count toward the Politics major or minor. A student should choose a topic in consultation with an instructor. An appropriate length of the final paper should be 12+ pages for a 2-credit hours and 20+ pages for 4-credit hours. The project should not be solely a book report, chronology of events, or unsupported opinion. The paper should include multiple sources, facts, interpretations, and viewpoints of the student. Students must submit an application (page 14 of this handbook) along with one-page description of the proposed project. The application must include a signature of approval from the proposed faculty. Internships in Politics Internships do NOT count toward the major or minor. To register for an internship you must be either a major or minor in politics and have 3.0 overall GPA. You must also have completed two of the following courses: POL-UA 100, POL-UA 300, POL-UA 500, or POL-UA 700, and have permission of the department internship advisor. Please note that the politics department does not advertise or recruit students for internships. Students should secure an internship before meeting with the internship advisor. The Department posts internship information on our website and on the internship bulletin board in the department. The sponsoring firm or organization may not give you a salary, but is allowed to reimburse you for personal expenses. This means that the sponsoring firm or organization may pay you for your independent study credits, but the check must be made out to NYU. The sponsoring firm or organization must provide a designated supervisor for your activities and that person must indicate to us the hours that you are to work, the tasks you are to perform, and how your performance will be assessed by them. Please use the form provided by the Department (on page 15 of this handbook) for this purpose. At the end of the internship the designated supervisor must fill out a second form from the Department assessing your work, kinds of tasks you performed, and how your performance was assessed by the organization. No credit taken for an internship counts towards the fulfillment of your credit requirements to major or minor in politics. You may register for either 2 or 4 credits of internship. If you choose 4 credits, you will be expected to work 8-12 hours a week at your internship and submit a 20-page paper to your advisor; if you choose 2 credits, then you should work at least 6 hours a week and submit a 10-page paper. Applications for internships to be completed during the Fall semester are due no later than September 30. Applications for internships to be completed during the Spring semester are due no later than January 30. Application forms are found at the back of this handbook (page 15).

7 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 7 American Political Practice and Leadership\ American Political Practice and Leadership is a track designed to offer Politics majors the opportunity to gain skills and experience in applied American politics via a study-away semester at NYU-Washington DC, while acquiring the substantive, analytical understanding of U.S. politics provided by American politics courses offered at NYU Washington Square. While at NYUDC, students gain expertise in political practice and leadership through coursework and a supervised, semester-long internship in the government, political, or non-profit sectors. At the Washington Square campus, students acquire the same training as other Politics majors who specialize in American Politics. The track is available to Politics majors only. Students completing the track are presented a certificate at an awards reception hosted by the Politics Department. Requirements 1. Successful completion of Power and Politics in America (POL-UA 300) at the Washington Square campus. 2. Satisfactory completion of an internship with a domestic policy focus during the student s period of study at NYUDC, as well as successful completion of the Internship Seminar & Fieldwork course at the NYUDC campus. 3. Satisfactory completion of three upper division courses in American Politics. At least one of these three courses must be taken at NYUDC, and at least one must be taken at the Washington Square campus. Also, at least one of the three upper division courses must be in a sub-field related to the student s internship. Consult the Politics Department s Undergraduate Academic Advisor for an up-to date list of qualifying courses. Student Organizations The Politics Society The Politics Society is an undergraduate organization, which gives Politics students the opportunity to take an active role in the shaping of their department. Geared towards strengthening the department, the Politics Society allows students to voice opinions on faculty, classes, advising and events. The Politics Society schedules meetings during the semester and all majors are encouraged to participate in the society. The society is divided into four committees, each with a specific purpose to enhance students experiences as Politics majors and minors: Faculty, Curriculum, Advising, and Programs/Internships.

8 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 8 Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Politics Honor Society NYU s Politics Department Beta Eta Chapter invites qualified students to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. To join, an undergraduate student must be a major in Politics or International Relations, have completed 12 points in Politics Department courses (courses numbered with POL-UA), have a 3.5 GPA in the major, and a 3.3 GPA overall. There is a one-time only membership fee of $35 payable (check, no cash accepted) to the national organization. Please see the web site at for more information. The Politics Honors Program Admission to and completion of the Honors Program in Politics requires a GPA of at least 3.65, both overall and in the major. In the spring semester of their sophomore year, politics majors with at least a 3.65 GPA will be invited to an informational meeting about the Honors Program and will be advised of the course requirements for admission to the Honors Program. Application to the Honors Program takes place in the spring of the junior year. Admission to and completion of the Politics Department Honors program requires the following: 1. Applications are due by March 1 in the spring of the junior year. Application requirements include: i GPA both overall and in politics courses. ii. Completion of Quantitative Methods for Political Science (POL-UA 800). iii. One Economics course (either Micro or Macro Economics), in addition to POL-UA 800 to apply. Admission to the Honors program will permit students to register for the fall Senior Honors Seminar I (POL-UA 950), during which students will prepare a research proposal for their senior thesis. 2. Completion of the Senior Honors Seminar I (POL-UA 950) in the fall of the senior year.

9 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 9 3. Completion of the Senior Honors Seminar II (POL-UA 951) in the spring semester of the senior year, during which students will finish the research for and write their honors thesis. The instructor teaching the Senior Honors seminar will, under ordinary circumstances, be the first reader of the theses for students registered in the class. Occasionally, another faculty member may serve as first reader and the instructor of the seminar will serve as second reader. 4. Participation in the Politics Honors Research Conference, to be held in April of the senior year. At the Research Conference each thesis will be read and discussed by a second faculty member, who will serve as the second reader for the thesis. 5. Approval of the honors thesis by both the instructor teaching Senior Honors II and the second reader of the thesis. Theses will be approved for honors if they merit a grade of at least A-, as determined by the first and second readers. 6. Maintenance of a GPA of at least 3.65 both overall and in politics courses. The overall GPA requirement may be waived provided it is at least Completion of all other Politics Department major requirements. The honors major requires a total of 10 courses (40 credits). Senior Honors Seminars I and II (POL-UA 950 and POL-UA 951), Quantitative Methods (POL-UA 800) and Field Seminars and Honors Seminars count toward the required 10 courses. To clarify any doubts you may have, please contact advisors at politics.undergrads@nyu.edu. Students successfully completing the Honors Program will receive a degree with Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors, as determined by the Department s Honors Committee, taking into consideration both the quality of the thesis and the student s record in the Honors Program. Honors Thesis Guidelines The following are guidelines for a typical empirical thesis. Those honors students writing normative theses can obtain relevant guidelines in Senior Honors I. Also note that while there are no absolute length requirements, the norm is approximately pages. 1. Question Your thesis should propose an open question or aim at an explanation of an already observed phenomenon that you believe requires an explanation given the generally accepted background understandings. 2. Literature review Your thesis should review the relevant academic literature concerning your question. In what ways does the existing literature not address your question adequately or completely? 3. Primary explanation and testable hypotheses You must articulate a logically coherent explanation for the phenomenon of interest, starting with any premises generally acknowledged to be true in the existing literature. If the empirical question you are asking does not have a generally acknowledged answer, you must supply that answer, carefully specifying the procedure that yields it. You then need to derive from your explanation testable hypotheses, which can be assessed in the light of either available data or data you gather yourself. 4. Alternative explanations As far as possible, your thesis should examine and reject the testable hypotheses which may be derived from competing explanations. 5. Description of data You will need to provide a precise description of the data which you are using to assess the alternative hypotheses. This should include a detailed description of your observations as well as all dependent and independent variables.

10 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 10 While testing explanations and the hypotheses that they imply is much easier when one is dealing with data which can be quantified and analyzed statistically, not all explanations can be so tested. Even if the explanations you are working with do not lend themselves to statistical tests, you may be able to consider the counterfactual arguments that can be adduced in support of these explanations as well as the fit of the additional inferences that can be made from them with the available evidence and conceptual premises accepted generally and/or implied by your explanations. 6. Results Your thesis should report the results of your tests, along with the appropriate levels of confidence that you have in those results (e.g., confidence levels in statistical analyses, the number of observations that were available for testing your explanations, the quality of data, including coding used, etc.). 7. Conclusion Your thesis should conclude with a discussion of the significance of your work, the limitations of your work, and its implications for further research. The International Relations Major The International Relations Major is an entirely separate major from the Politics major and has an entirely separate set of requirements. For information please go to or see Emily Mitchell-Marell, the advisor for IR. Help for Students in Politics Classes Tutoring for Politics Classes Located in Weinstein Residence Hall and with hours that extend well into the evening, the College Learning Center (Weinstein Residence Hall, 1st Floor, ) offers a variety of services designed to help students realize their fullest academic potential, such as group study sessions in support of specific politics courses, individual review sessions in areas not covered by group sessions, and study skills workshops. There are two computer rooms one equipped for language instruction and both connected to the Internet, including the World-Wide Web. In addition, the Center houses outposts of the Writing Center and of NYU Speaking Freely, and its staff can make referrals to other sources of help. Henry & Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities The Center (31 West 4th Street) facilitates equal access to the programs and activities of the College and NYU. Matters relating to students who visit the Center are strictly confidential. Services cover a wide range of disabling conditions. In addition to working with students who have mobility, visual, and hearing impairments, the Center assists a significant number of students with learning disabilities and many others with chronic impairments, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, psychiatric illness, head trauma, and seizure disorders. The Moses Center is staffed by a group of specialists who have a wealth of experience in helping students obtain necessary academic adjustments and accommodations based upon individual needs. In order to receive services from the Center, students must provide appropriate documentation.

11 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 11 The Writing Center The Writing Center is a place where one-on-one teaching and learning occur, where the work always focuses on writing. Experienced consultants will assist NYU students, faculty, and staff with their writing at any stage in their writing processes. We work with writers on essays, lab reports, personal statements, poems, stories, and other written texts. Writers may schedule one appointment per week, up to two weeks ahead of time, using our on-line scheduling system. A second weekly appointment is available on a walk-in basis. Appointments normally are 45 minutes in length. The Writing Center is a part of NYU s Expository Writing Program. We are located at 411 Lafayette, 3rd floor. Our phone # is (212) For more information or to schedule an appointment, please go to:

12 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 12 Application for a Major or Minor in Politics This form is for use by CAS Students ONLY. Name:, Date: Last First MI NYU ID #: Telephone: Expected Date of Graduation: / mm yyyy Declaring a MAJOR Declaring a MINOR Majors are required to take at least two core courses and it is suggested that you take three. Please mark below which of these core courses you have taken and the grades you have received: Grade in POL-UA 100 (Political Theory) Grade in POL-UA 300 (Power and Politics in America) Grade in POL-UA 500 (Comparative Politics) Grade in POL-UA 700 (International Politics) Emily Mitchell-Marell will be your academic advisor. For questions or information about your major: emm9@nyu.edu W. 4 th, Rm 232 The department encourages majors to study abroad, especially in our London, Florence and Washington, DC sites. Are you interested in going abroad? If so, where would you like to go? Overall GPA (estimated) Are you interested in the honors program? DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE Advisor s Signature

13 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page Personal Information Application for Admission to the Politics Honors Major Name:, Last First Middle NYU ID: N Expected Date of Graduation: / Overall GPA: mm yyyy Are you currently participating in the CAS Scholars program? Politics GPA: 2. Campus Address Street: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone: Politics Courses Completed (Completion/enrollment in Quantitative Methods and either Econ I or II are required for admission) Course Grade 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 4. The Politics Honors major requires the completion of an honors thesis, typically involving supervised independent research in an area of particular interest to the student. Please attach a page to this form describing the topic you wish to explore for the thesis and any classes you have taken or plan to take that will provide background or experience in your topic. Please be as specific as possible.

14 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 14 Application for Pi Sigma Alpha Name:, Date: Last First MI NYU ID #: Local Address: Telephone: ( ) - Number of Credits Completed in Politics (you must have completed 12 credits): Overall GPA (estimated): GPA in Politics Courses: Expected Date of Graduation: / mm yyyy Membership fees are $35. For payment information please contact: Stephanie Nica Administrative Aide sn4@nyu.edu Department of Politics 19 West 4th Street, Room 202 If you have any questions, please contact: politics.undergrads@nyu.edu FOR OFFICE USE: Received payment

15 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 15 Application for Readings and Research Name:, Date: Last First MI NYU ID#: Semester and Year Requesting Readings and Research: GPA in Politics: Number of Credits Earned in Politics: Expected Date of Graduation: / mm yyyy Please attach a one-page description of the project FOR THE FACULTY ADVISOR ONLY: I support Mr./Ms. application for 2 4 credits of Readings and Research. I agree to supervise him/her on the project described. Faculty Advisor: Name (Please Print) Signature: (Please Sign) DEPARTMENTAL APPROVAL: Signature: Date: Director of Undergraduate Studies

16 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 16 Internship in Politics: Application for Approval Please note: Internship applications are due September 30 (for fall semester internships) and January 30 (for spring semester internships). 1. Personal Data: Name: NYU ID #: Campus Address: Telephone: 2. Academic Standing: Overall GPA: Politics GPA: Expected Graduation: / mm yyyy 3. About the Internship: Employer Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Fax: Contact Person: Title: Contact Person FOR INTERNSHIP SUPERVISOR ONLY: Signature: Date: FOR THE INTERNSHIP ADVISOR ONLY: I support Mr./Ms. application for 2 4 credits of Internship. I agree to supervise him/her for the duration of this internship. At the end of the internship I will read and grade his/her Journal and assess whether or not academic credit must be granted. Name: Signature:

17 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 Internship in Politics: Approval Letter for Internship Supervisor Dear Designated Supervisor: Thank you for accepting the responsibility to supervise our student during his/her internship at your organization. Internships are a very important part of the education we provide to our majors at the Department of Politics at NYU. Through carefully selected internships we aim to offer to some of our best students the opportunity to work in and be a part of the activities of agencies, offices and organizations so that they can combine real life experience with the study of related problems in politics and political science. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form, which is very important for assessing how effective this internship might be for our student. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at politics.undergrads@nyu.edu. Thank you for your time. What is your position within this organization? How closely will you work with our student? He/she will work closely with me. He/she will work in the office (agency, organization) but not with me. I will meet him/her occasionally. I will not work with him/her but I will supervise him/her anyway. What kind of activities will the intern perform? How many hours per week will she/he work? 6 Hours 8 hours 10 hours 12 hours 14 hours How will you assess performance? Please Explain. Supervisor s Name: Phone: Supervisor s Signature: Date: Please return form to: New York University, Professor Asli Peker, Department of Politics, 19 West 4 th Street, 2 nd Floor, politics.undergrads@nyu.edu Tel: (212) Fax: (212)

18 A Guide to Undergraduate Study in Politics January 2016 page 18 Internship in Politics: End of Internship Letter for Supervisor This evaluation is confidential and must be faxed by the supervisor directly to the department. Dear Designated Supervisor: Thank you for taking your time to supervise our student during his/her internship in your organization. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form, which is very important for our records and for assessing how effective this internship was for our student. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us: politics.undergrads@nyu.edu. Thank you. How closely did you work with our student? He/she worked closely with me. He/she did work in the office, but not with me. I met with the student occasionally. I did not work with student, but I supervised him/her anyway. What kind of activities did the intern perform? How many hours per week did she/he work? 6 Hours 8 hours 10 hours 12 hours 14 hours How would you assess his/her performance? Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Not satisfactory Please explain: Supervisor s Name: Phone: Supervisor s Signature: Date: Please return to: New York University, Department of Politics, 19 West 4 th Street, 2 nd Floor, politics.undergrads@nyu.edu Tel: (212) Fax: (212)